Statement of Edward J. Baier, Deputy Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Center for Disease Control Before the Subcommittee on Labor, Senate Committee on Human Resources, October 3, 1978

摘要

The testimony reviewed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) experience in implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act during the previous 7 years. Prior to the passage of the Act, the authority to promulgate enforceable standards was lacking and it was not possible to perform a study at the request of the employees themselves. Since passage of the Act the budget jumped from 10 million to 65 million dollars and the staff from 340 to over 900. Significant progress has been made in the specific areas of concern of asbestos (1332214), silica (7631869), lead (7439921), mercury (7439976), coke oven emissions, and benzene (71432), along with 13 other substances. Altogether, over 100 documents recommending standards have been transmitted to OSHA, covering more than 2000 toxic substances and physical agents. Work has also proceeded in the area of industrial accidents, safety research in support of standards for personal protective equipment, and recommendations for standards for emergency egress from elevated workstations and for logging. Attention was directed toward information services which will help avoid duplication of research efforts. Health Hazard Evaluations have been completed in response to over 500 requests.